new here and new hypochondriac after health issues and then mother's death

Hi there,

I am brand new here, realized recently that I must be a hypochondriac as I find it so difficult to stop obsessing over physical symptoms every day. I am a Christian, and I hate that this is a weakness for me because I do believe that God is in control. But ever since last year when I had some high blood pressure issues, I started freaking out about my health. I resolved the high bp through diet. Then when I lost my mom in December due to first her internal bleeding which she would tell no one about for weeks until the point where she landed in the ICU only to be released and die a week later of multiple heart attacks. Apparently my maternal grandparents also died from heart issues.

I have always had anxiety issues, as did my mom and grandma. I have sought help for the panic attacks and have them in check now with breathing. But they usually concerned things external to me. Now I worry about physical issues, some which are real. For instance, I am iron deficient, and we don't know why. My hands and toes go numb intermittently, my eye twitches, and not long ago I had a couple of instances where I would smell a bleach smell for no reason. Short lived events but weird. However, it is possible I am just overly sensitive to everything physical including smell right now as I am so anxious. I notice my sense of smell is very heightened lately. I have been screened for diabetes. Next step is referral to a neurologist.

But my regular doc doesn't seem too worried about any of these things. The hand numbness could be carpal tunnel, and the toe numbness could be Morton's Neuroma. I scour the internet to find answers and stumble on stuff that gives me more grief. In one such search I found something about how anemia can sometimes be caused by an abdominal aeortic aneurysm so next morning of course I'm all worried when lying down I can see a pulse in my tummy. When I called about it, they asked me some screening questions and weren't worried at all. I know I have seen the tummy thing before but never thought anything of it.

Anyway, just want to learn to stop stressing and I will be praying and meditating and excercising in efforts to give these worries back to God. He can ease this off of me . But it would be nice to have support of others too.

thank you!

Thank you so much for the information. I hear what you are saying about not googling. I am actually wondering if looking here at the disease info would be just as bad, lol?

Hi CG and welcome!

I am so sorry to hear of the recent loss of your dear mom. This is of course a huge anxiety trigger. I know this is beyond difficult, and I wish you much healing.


I also just wanted to add my support...you've been advised well above in the advice to keep seeking your answers by working with your doctor on things both physical...and starting treatment for the anxiety if you so choose.

In this way you will know that you are keeping fit and well in all aspects of your health.:)

We understand what you are going through...so please continue to post with us for support if you find it helpful.

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat

Hi

I to am sorry to hear of the loss of your mother I know this is a very difficult time for you and i'm sending you a big hug and want you to know we are here for you.

It is really hard to not google your symptoms I still have to fight that urge most days but it is the thing which really does have a huge impact on your anxiety levels.

Keep us posted.

Hibee